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Variation of basic density and fibre length in Lonchocarpus capassa (Rolfe) wood from Kilosa District, Tanzania
Abstract
Within tree radial and axial variations of
wood basic density and fibre length of
Lonchocarpus capassa (Rolfe) were
investigated using three mature defect free
trees from Kilosa District, Tanzania.
Samples for determination of wood basic
density and fibre length were collected
from the butt, the middle and the tip of the
stem height and six radial positions. Wood
basic density and fibre length were
determined following standard procedures.
The average wood basic density and fibre
length were 569.3 kg m-3 and 1.38 mm,
respectively. Statistical analysis indicated
that stem height and radial positions had
significant effect on wood density and
fibre length. There was no positive linear
relationship between wood basic density
and fibre length. Based on density, the
wood of L. capassa is heavy and is more
or less comparable to that of Khaya
anthotheca. The two species can therefore
be used exchangeably if wood density is
the only pre-requisite. Normally, heavy
timbers are suitable for wood fuel from
their high calorific values. The fibres of L.
capassa are longer than those of the
commonly used species in pulp and paper
production in Tanzania, showing the
potential of L. capassa for being used in
pulp and paper making.
wood basic density and fibre length of
Lonchocarpus capassa (Rolfe) were
investigated using three mature defect free
trees from Kilosa District, Tanzania.
Samples for determination of wood basic
density and fibre length were collected
from the butt, the middle and the tip of the
stem height and six radial positions. Wood
basic density and fibre length were
determined following standard procedures.
The average wood basic density and fibre
length were 569.3 kg m-3 and 1.38 mm,
respectively. Statistical analysis indicated
that stem height and radial positions had
significant effect on wood density and
fibre length. There was no positive linear
relationship between wood basic density
and fibre length. Based on density, the
wood of L. capassa is heavy and is more
or less comparable to that of Khaya
anthotheca. The two species can therefore
be used exchangeably if wood density is
the only pre-requisite. Normally, heavy
timbers are suitable for wood fuel from
their high calorific values. The fibres of L.
capassa are longer than those of the
commonly used species in pulp and paper
production in Tanzania, showing the
potential of L. capassa for being used in
pulp and paper making.
